Tagged: Salvation Army

Since the photo of the New York City police officer a pair of brand new boots to a barefoot homeless man has gone viral in the past few weeks, you can’t help but feel touched by the way that officer went out of his way to give back. Since the holiday season is upon us, check out these acts of kindness you can fulfill this season that have big impacts, regardless of how small they seem.

Drop your coins in the Salvation Army’s red kettles. If you’ve been around the city at all over the past few weeks, you may have seen the Salvation Army’s red kettles out on the corners with volunteers ringing a bell and asking for donations. As you go holiday shopping, leave change in your pocket and as you walk by, just drop it in. It is as easy as that.

Participate in a gift drive. Regardless of whichever holiday you celebrate, chances are you will be receiving a gift this season. Consider buying a toy or other type of gift for a local gift drive. If you live near an area that was hard hit by Hurricane Sandy, scope out any gift drives that may be taking place to benefit those who lost their homes to the disaster.

Donate clothes. Winter is around the corner and many don’t have access to necessary cold-weather attire that we don’t think twice about wearing. Donate old coats, sweaters, hats and gloves to your nearest Salvation Army!

Help someone who is elderly. Whether you’re shoveling snow for the elderly woman next door or helping carry groceries to her car, she’ll appreciate assistance very much.

Pay for the person in line behind you. If you’re in line at Starbucks, secretly pay for the cup of coffee of the person behind you. It’s a great way to surprise someone in a really pleasant way.

Write a letter to a soldier. Programs such as Letters to Soldiers set you up with someone in the armed forces that you can write to. You can even set up a pen pal correspondence with someone.

Hold the door for someone. Holding the door for the person behind you goes such a long way despite seeming so insignificant. So just do it!